Cervical Cancer Symptome

About precancer and cervical cancer

Cervical cancer begins when normal cells on the surface of the cervix change and grow uncontrollably, forming a mass called a tumor. A tumor can be cancerous or benign. A cancerous tumor is malignant, meaning it can spread to other parts of the body. A benign tumor means the tumor will not spread.
At first, the changes in a cell are abnormal, not cancerous. Researchers believe, however, that some of these abnormal changes are the first step in a series of slow changes that can lead to cancer. Some of the abnormal cells go away without treatment, but others can become cancerous. This phase of the disease is called dysplasia, which is an abnormal growth of cells. The abnormal cells, sometimes called precancerous tissue, need to be removed to keep cancer from developing. Often, the precancerous tissue can be removed or destroyed without harming healthy tissue, but in some cases, a hysterectomy (removal of the uterus and cervix) is needed to prevent cervical cancer.
Treatment of a lesion, which is a precancerous area, depends on the following factors:

• The size of the lesion and the type of changes that have occurred in the cells
• If the woman wants to have children in the future
• The woman's age
• The woman's general health
• The preference of the woman and her doctor

If the precancerous cells change into true cancer cells and spread deeper into the cervix or to other tissues and organs, then the disease is called cervical cancer.
There are two main types of cervical cancer, named for the type of cell where the cancer started. Other types of cervical cancer are rare.

• Squamous cell carcinoma, which makes up about 80% to 90% of all cervical cancers
• Adenocarcinoma, which makes up 10% to 20% of all cervical cancers

Source: http://www.cancer.net/cancer-types/cervical-cancer/overview

Symptome and Signs

Most women do not have any signs or symptoms of a precancer or early-stage cervical cancer. Symptoms usually do not appear until the cancer has spread to other tissues and organs. Also, symptoms may also be caused by a medical condition that is not cancer.
Any of the following could be signs or symptoms of cervical dysplasia or cancer:

• Blood spots or light bleeding between or following periods
• Menstrual bleeding that is longer and heavier than usual
• Bleeding after intercourse, douching, or a pelvic examination
• Pain during sexual intercourse
• Bleeding after menopause
• Increased vaginal discharge

Any of these six symptoms should be reported to your doctor. If these symptoms appear, it is important to talk with your doctor about them even if they appear to be symptoms of other, less serious conditions. The earlier precancerous cells or cancer is found and treated, the better the chance that the cancer can be prevented or cured.
If you are concerned about one or more of the symptoms or signs on this list, please talk with your doctor. Your doctor will ask how long and how often you’ve been experiencing the symptom(s), in addition to other questions. This is to help find out the cause of the problem, called a diagnosis.
If cancer is diagnosed, relieving symptoms remains an important part of cancer care and treatment. This may also be called symptom management, palliative care, or supportive care. Be sure to talk with your health care team about symptoms you experience, including any new symptoms or a change in symptoms.


Source: http://www.cancer.net/cancer-types/cervical-cancer/symptoms-and-signs